William of Auvergne’s estimated date of birth was between the years 1180-1190. He was born in Aurillac, France and died in the year 1249 in Paris, France (Lewis). Little is known about his early years, but many have assumed that he came from a poor background. William of Auvergne’s education had consisted of a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Paris in 1223, then he became a Professor in 1225 (Encyclopedia Britannica).
As his life had drawn out, he was announced the Bishop of Paris in 1228, and continued this role up until his death. William of Auvergne was considered to be one of the first set of thinkers in the Latin West, who focused a study on natural philosophy and metaphysics that unified the Greek, Islamic, and Jewish thinkers’ ideas, that had become accessible in Latin translation (Lewis). With these thoughts being collected, William of Auvergne was able to recognize the other thinkers’ beliefs and compose his own rationalization of philosophy, especially regarding the Christian faith. William of Auvergne had placed an emphasis on the Christian faith philosophy because the writings he read seemed to have a negative effect that made church authorities fearful, as well as being considered dangerous to the Christian faith (Encyclopedia Britannica). Therefore, most of his works were aimed to defeat the fear and danger the Christians felt.
William of Auvergne was a leader in his society who set a base for the understanding of medieval philosophical thought and philosophy discussion. William of Auvergne influenced the culture of his time and the thoughts of many. His theology was consistently Aristotelian, since he aimed towards the Aristotle doctrine being brought back in accordance with the Christian thought (Encyclopedia Britannica). Through William of Auvergne’s life, he created several primaray sources, that explained his philosophy and thoughts on the soul, how people should live, etc. Some of his primary sources include: The Trinity, The Soul, The Universe of Creatures, and The Providence of God Regarding the Universe.
As his life had drawn out, he was announced the Bishop of Paris in 1228, and continued this role up until his death. William of Auvergne was considered to be one of the first set of thinkers in the Latin West, who focused a study on natural philosophy and metaphysics that unified the Greek, Islamic, and Jewish thinkers’ ideas, that had become accessible in Latin translation (Lewis). With these thoughts being collected, William of Auvergne was able to recognize the other thinkers’ beliefs and compose his own rationalization of philosophy, especially regarding the Christian faith. William of Auvergne had placed an emphasis on the Christian faith philosophy because the writings he read seemed to have a negative effect that made church authorities fearful, as well as being considered dangerous to the Christian faith (Encyclopedia Britannica). Therefore, most of his works were aimed to defeat the fear and danger the Christians felt.
William of Auvergne was a leader in his society who set a base for the understanding of medieval philosophical thought and philosophy discussion. William of Auvergne influenced the culture of his time and the thoughts of many. His theology was consistently Aristotelian, since he aimed towards the Aristotle doctrine being brought back in accordance with the Christian thought (Encyclopedia Britannica). Through William of Auvergne’s life, he created several primaray sources, that explained his philosophy and thoughts on the soul, how people should live, etc. Some of his primary sources include: The Trinity, The Soul, The Universe of Creatures, and The Providence of God Regarding the Universe.
Prepared by Vanessa Crowley